Fig. 4: Properties of the CD44-targeted supramolecular optoacoustic nanoagent DXBTZ-CB[8]/CSA.

a Average diameters and zeta potentials of the nanoagents obtained by mixing the DXBTZ-CB[8] (10 μM) with varied amounts of CSA (0–14 μg mL⁻¹) in aqueous solution for 30 min (n = 3 independent experiments). b Hydrodynamic diameter distribution and a representative transmission electron microscopic image (inset) for the sample of DXBTZ-CB[8] (10 μM) 30 min after addition of CSA (8 μg mL⁻¹). c Absorption spectra for DXBTZ, DXBTZ-CB[8], DXBTZ-CB[8]/CSA as well as the mixture (DXBTZ/CSA) of DXBTZ and CSA. d Left side: relative OA intensity at 692 nm of DXBTZ, DXBTZ-CB[8], DXBTZ-CB[8]/CSA as well as the mixture (DXBTZ/CSA) of DXBTZ and CSA in phantom (n = 3 independent experiments). Right side: representative optoacoustic images of the corresponding groups ([DXBTZ] = [CB[8]] = 10 μM, [CSA] = 8 μg mL⁻¹). e Fluorescence intensity (top row) of DXBTZ-CB[8] as well as DXBTZ-CB[8]/CSA (n = 3 independent experiments) and their corresponding fluorescence images (bottom row). f Optoacoustic intensity of DXBTZ-CB[8]/CSA at 692 nm in phantom as a function of mass concentration (n = 3 independent experiments). The inset presents typical OA images of DXBTZ-CB[8]/CSA at different concentrations. g Typical optoacoustic images (right side) for HEK293, L929, L-02, 4T1, T24, and MDA-MB−231 cells incubated with DXBTZ-CB[8]/CSA (50 μg mL⁻¹) in phantom as well as their corresponding relative OA intensities at 692 nm (n = 3 independent experiments) (left side). h Typical confocal fluorescence images for HEK293, L929, L-02, 4T1, T24, and MDA-MB-231 cells incubated with DXBTZ-CB[8]/CSA (50 μg mL⁻¹) and Hoechst33342. i Typical optoacoustic images (right side) for MDA-MB-231 cells or CD44 inhibitor HA or anti-CD44 antibody pretreated cells incubated with DXBTZ-CB[8]/CSA (50 μg mL⁻¹) in phantom, as well as their corresponding relative OA intensities at 692 nm (n = 3 independent experiments; left side). j Typical confocal fluorescence images for MDA-MB-231 cells or CD44 inhibitor HA or anti-CD44 antibody pretreated cells incubated with DXBTZ-CB[8]/CSA (50 μg mL⁻¹) and Hoechst33342. Data are presented as mean values ± SD. Statistical significance was determined by two-tailed t test. ***P < 0.001. Source data are provided as a Source Data file.